Six of the best islands to visit in Hong Kong: escape the urban jungle and retreat to the city’s last bastions of laid-back life

Any mention of Hong Kong usually conjures up images of the iconic Victoria Harbour, with an urban jungle of glass, concrete and steel reaching for the sky against a backdrop of mountains. But it’s easy to forget that this city of over 7 million people has a unique geography, with nature at its doorstep – or just a ferry ride away.

While classic destinations such as Cheung Chau, Lamma, and Lantau islands usually feature in visitors’ itineraries, City Weekend explores six other sun-soaked spots, among Hong Kong’s 263 land masses dotting the waters of the South China Sea.

Peng Chau

From traditional temples to fresh seafood and scenic treks, stepping onto the shores of this tranquil island feels like entering a time capsule into the Hong Kong of yesteryear. The sleepy island used to be a thriving industrial centre in the 1970s, with many factories.

These are now abandoned buildings offering a glimpse into their busy past – from a matchstick factory to an old cinema.

Except for small emergency vehicles, Peng Chau has no motorised transport system. The small island can be explored on bicycle, and on a clear day, from the pavilion on Finger Hill, Tsing Ma Bridge and Hong Kong’s Disneyland are visible in the distance.

Tung Lung Chau